Spartacus star Whitfield to undergo more cancer treatment

ANDY Whitfield, star of Starz’ sex and swords drama Spartacus: Blood & Sand, has been forced to withdraw from the second season of the show to undergo further treatment for cancer.

The actor announced he had been diagnosed with the disease after completing the first season of the hit show, prompting its creators to postpone production on the sophomore run so that he could recover.

But now that the disease has returned, Whitfield has been forced to undergo more aggressive treatment.

According to Variety, Starz bosses have expressed their concern for Whitfield’s health and said no immediate decisions about the show’s future have been made.

The channel is set to begin airing a prequel series, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, in January 2011, with John Hannah as the main focus. Whitfield does not appear.

Chris Albrecht, CEO of Starz, paid tribute to Whitfield’s determination to beat the disease, however, stating that his “courage, strength and grace in the face of adversity have inspired us all”.

Spartacus: Blood & Sand airs on Bravo in the UK, where it has also become a ratings hit.